India is a peninsular country surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. This geographical placement makes the country prone to floods.
Since floods can cause significant damages to life and property, individuals residing in flood-prone areas need to be well-prepared. This includes preparing safety kits, noting down the flood-prone zone and insuring the valuables.
Keep reading to learn about the flood-prone states and cities in India.
List of Flood Affected States in India
India witnessed a three-fold rise in rainfall and waterlogging across eastern, central and northern India. The monsoon rains from the southwest cause flooding in rivers such as Yamuna, Ganga, Brahmaputra, etc. The intense monsoon swells the banks, which leads to flooding in adjacent areas.
Here is a table showing the name of the most flood-affected states in India -
| States | Flood-affected Area (in Million Ha.) |
| Uttarpradesh | 7.336 |
| Punjab | 3.7 |
| Rajasthan | 3.26 |
| Bihar | 4.26 |
| Assam | 3.15 |
| Haryana | 2.35 |
| West Bengal | 2.65 |
| Orissa | 1.14 |
| Gujrat | 1.39 |
| Tamil Nadu | 0.45 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1.39 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 0.26 |
| Tripura | 0.33 |
| Maharashtra | 0.23 |
| Manipur | 0.08 |
| Jammu and Kashmir | 0.08 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 0.23 |
| Delhi | 0.05 |
| Meghalaya | 0.02 |
| Karnataka | 0.02 |
| Pondicherry | 0.01 |
| Kerala | 0.87 |
The most flood-affected state in India falls under the Ganga River basins and Brahmaputra. The Indo-Gangetic- Brahmaputra plains in North and Northeast India carry nearly 60% of India’s total river flow.
Insurance Policies for People Living in the Flood-prone States in India
Individuals residing in flood-prone areas in India can check the following insurance options -
- Life Insurance- Life insurance is a contract between the insurer and policyholder to pay a specific amount to the nominee after the policy holder's death. This is a good option for individuals who reside in a coastal region.
- Car and bike insurance- This policy covers the damages caused by natural and man-made calamities. For example, many Indian states lack proper drainage and pothole management systems. This causes a majority of vehicle accidents and damages during monsoon. Getting car and bike insurance ensures indemnity when facing flood-related problems.
- Home insurance- Floods and cyclones can damage major sections of a poorly constructed house. In this regard, getting home insurance is a smart choice. This policy covers the damages caused by natural calamities and theft or burglary. You can use the amount to construct or repair the damages caused by the flood.
- Flood insurance- Flood insurance is not prominent in India. This insurance policy covers most damages caused by floods. You can gain compensation against property loss. Premiums set against the insurance are generally affordable.
It is advisable to check the policy terms and regulations to make an informed decision. Additionally, if you reside in any of the flood-prone areas in India, keeping a tab over weather updates can aid you in disaster management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is India prone to flooding?
Yes, most states of India are affected by floods from June to September every year.
Which river causes flood in Assam?
Brahmaputra river causes floods in Assam.
What is the average population that gets affected by flood in India?
Around 17.3 million people in India have been affected by floods. Floods are a recurring natural disaster that affects thousands of lives every year.
Which is the river that contributes most to floods in India?
Brahmaputra river is one of the rivers that causes the maximum number of floods in India. The minimum recurring time period for flooding of the Brahmaputra river is 2 years.
